AA visit to the South African Breweries (SAB) World of Beer in Johannesburg's Newtown Cultural Precinct offers a fascinating introduction to the history of beer and brewing. It's a must-visit attraction when in town. The World of Beer came into being in 1995, an iconic year in South Africa’s history. The year marked the country’s first full year as a democracy, our defeat of the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup and a century of brewing mastery at SAB.

Bringing the history of beer to life, the SAB World of Beer is a popular visitor attraction that uses 3D movies, floating holograms and a large screen with surround sound to tell the tale of this popular South African alcoholic beverage. Take a tour of the SAB World of Beer, and you’ll quickly discover why it has twice been named the number one tourist attraction in South Africa. This intriguing, entertaining and interactive journey explores the rich history of beer, uncovering the important role it has played culturally, socially and economically across space and time.

Did You Know?

DDID YOU KNOW Umqombothi is a popular African traditional beer made from sorghum.

TThe SAB World of Beer offers a 90-minute tour that kicks off with a warm welcome from Charles Glass, the brew master, who brought the world Castle Lager and the man who laid the foundations for SAB as it is known today. From there, visitors are taken on an entertaining and highly informative historical tour of beer making, from the earliest known evidence of beer brewing in Egypt and Mesopotamia to the honky-tonk beer halls of the gold-rush era of Johannesburg.

YYou will learn the secrets of African beer making and taste some traditional sorghum beer. Learn how world-renowned brew master, Josef Groll, living amid the stone streets and arcades of Bohemia, created the world’s first clear and golden beer. Experience the atmosphere of a typical township shebeen; and walk through the on-site greenhouse and learn about the different plants used to make beer. From there, trace the actual beer brewing process, step by step, before finishing your tour in the Tap Room, where you can enjoy two cold ones on the house.

OOwned and operated by South African Breweries, the World of Beer is situated in Johannesburg's Newtown Cultural Precinct, one of the city's most prominent cultural and entertainment hubs. This is the coolest and most interesting tour to take if you enjoy the art of beer making and brewing.